The festival was put on to celebrate the park remaining open. About 15 months ago, Mission State Historic Park was in danger of closing, but because of the financial support from the community the park was able to remain open, said Bonny Hawley, executive director for Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, a nonprofit that raises funds for state parks.

"It's really a beloved place. It's the oldest building in Santa Cruz," she said, adding that it dates to the 1700s and sees children come through for historic tours.

On Saturday, the festival drew around a thousand visitors for the live mariachi band, crafts for kids and, the highlight, a mole-cooking competition.

"It's off-the-charts successful," Hawley said. "We're so happy to see this level of support."

For the contest, local restaurants were invited to serve their best mole and have it judged.

Laura Ruvalcaba Trejo, 30, and her husband Omar Ruvalcaba heard about the festival through a co-worker and thought it would be fun to attend.

Ruvalcaba said a good mole depends on what the person is looking for.

"I had a friend who liked it hot. Like you're sweating spicy," he said.

On the other hand, Ruvalcaba grew up eating mole that was on the sweeter side, and was looking for a flavor that leaned more towards that.

Of the first three he tried, he wasn't impressed. But there were seven more to sample.

"I guess we'll see what else is in store for our taste buds," Ruvalcaba said.

The festival also highlights Latino heritage.

"It's another way for Santa Cruz to see Latino culture," Trejo said.

Estelí Jimenez, 25, a UC Santa Cruz student, said she was excited to hear about the festival and mole competition. An international student from Chiapas, Mexico, she said the offerings impressed her.

"I'm surprised to see the variety of tasty things offered," she said, holding a plate with samples of mole sauces.

Jimenez said her ideal sauce is a balance of sweetness, density and without meat.

Two winners were selected at the end of the competition: a critic's choice and a people's choice. El Jardin Restaurant in Santa Cruz won people's choice and Manuel's Mexican Restaurant in Aptos won critic's choice.